Population growing in all New Zealand regions: Statistics NZ

File photo / NZ Herald

All regions of New Zealand are expected to see an increase in population over the next 13 years, Statistics New Zealand says.

Auckland would continue to be the country's fastest growing region, with an estimated 37 out of every 100 people in New Zealand living in Auckland by 2028.

Information released by Statistics NZ today predicted all 16 regional council areas would increase in population between now and 2028.

"The short-term trend partly reflects the current high level of arrivals into New Zealand, and the current low level of departures," population statistics manager Vina Cullum said.

"However, population growth will slow in the longer term as our population continues to age. This will see the number of deaths increase relative to births. Also, net migration [arrivals minus departures] exceeded 50,000 in 2014 and is unlikely to remain at that level."

Natural increase - births minus deaths - is projected to account for three-fifths of Auckland's growth, and net migration the remaining two-fifths.

The population in the City of Sails is projected to reach two million in the early 2030s - meaning out of every 100 people in New Zealand, 37 would live in Auckland by 2028, and 40 by 2043. That's up from the current 34 out of 100.

Auckland's growth would account for three-fifths of the national population growth between 2013 and 2043, StatsNZ said.

Of New Zealand's 67 territorial authority areas, 51 are projected to have more people in 2028 than in 2013. However, only 30 are projected to have more people in 2043 than in 2028.

The fastest population growth between 2013 and 2043 is expected in Selwyn and Queenstown-Lakes districts, up an average of 2.2 per cent and 1.8 per cent a year, respectively, StatsNZ said.